THU 28 - 3 - 2024
 
Date: Dec 14, 2016
Source: The Daily Star
Most Palestinians no longer believe in two-state deal
Associated Press
RAMALLAH, Palestine: Two-thirds of Palestinians believe a two-state solution to their conflict with Israel is not possible, a poll said Tuesday.

The share of those who lost faith in such a deal rose from 56 percent in September to 65 percent now, due to an acceleration of settlement activity, said the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey research.

Most in the international community still back the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, even though a deal appears to be increasingly complicated, in part because of the continued growth of settlements. Gaps between Israeli and Palestinian leaders remain wide, preventing any meaningful talks since 2009.

The poll was conducted last week among 1,270 Palestinians with an error margin of 3 percentage points.

The survey also found that 54 percent have no faith in the newly elected leadership of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah Movement. The vote at a recent Fatah convention affirmed aging party stalwarts in top jobs and was seen as a move to sideline exiled Mohammad Dahlan.

In a related development, Abbas decided to strip four legislators seen as close to Dahlan of their immunity, taking yet another step to prevent a Dahlan political comeback.

Hassan Ouri, a legal adviser to Abbas, told the West Bank radio station Ajyal Monday that the Palestinian leader made the decision after the Palestinian Constitutional Court affirmed his right to do so.

In the past, only the Palestinian Parliament could strip legislators of their immunity. Parliament has been defunct since 2007, when the violent split between Fatah and rival Hamas produced separate governments in the West Bank and Gaza. Abbas has ruled autonomous West Bank enclaves by decree since then.

Fatah said on its Facebook page that the four legislators would be investigated about suspicions of embezzlement of funds and weapons dealing.

Najat Abu Baker, one of the legislators being targeted, said the decision amounts to “suppression of the freedom of expression.” She said she was not notified of any possible legal steps against her.

Tuesday’s survey said 60 percent of Palestinians reject the court ruling giving Abbas the right to move against legislators.


 
Readers Comments (0)
Add your comment

Enter the security code below*

 Can't read this? Try Another.
 
Related News
Fatah, Hamas say deal reached on Palestinian elections
U.S. says would recognize Israel annexation of West Bank
Architect of U.S. peace plan blames Palestinians for violence
UN agency fears U.S. peace plan will spark violence
Trump plan leaves Arabs in dilemma
Related Articles
The EU must recognize Palestine
A two-state solution is off the table
Money can’t buy Palestinians’ love
No democracy in Israel without peace with the Palestinians
Israel gets ready to vote, but still no country for Palestinians
Copyright 2024 . All rights reserved